The call is out for people to help with the Christmas Cheer program in Killarney.

Every year hampers filled with gifts and food items go out to a number of families in the region.

Killarney’s Christmas Cheer program is run by the food bank. Petchie Hawkins is with the food bank, and she says they’re invite people to come out and help with the program. “Last year we did 83 Christmas packages so we’re always looking for volunteers because it’s a huge undertaking.”

“It runs from just after Remembrance Day up until distribution day which this year is December 17th. People will come and help out with an hour here and an hour there. They can wrap gifts and help pack hampers.”

The group also needs people to help with things like distribution.

“The Red Apple does a Christmas Cheer drive every year and they’ve been a huge supporter of the food bank. They collect toys, food and cash donations and we also get a percentage of sales on certain days and that adds up to a fair chunk of money that we can use to purchase a lot of the food for the packages.”

Collection boxes will also be set up at a number of other retail stores in Killarney.